Hi All - We are planning a trip Dec 18 2014 - Jan 15, 2015. We will be in Florence on NYE and then no plans until Jan 15. We are looking to be as warm as possible for our trip - skiing and snow beauty doesn't compel us right now. We are both in early 60's, active and interested in culture, food and history. Would we be better off remaining in Italy and going south? Or should look to Spain or Greece? Also, given the economic issues in both countries, which will provide us the most for our American dollars?
Thank you and looking forward to your replies.

I would head to souther Italy, but to be sure of warmer weather in January, you may want to consider Spain's Canary Islands - www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain

by warm I hope you don't mean shorts and flip flop warm though..

Southern Spain, in Anadalucia and Armeria, will be warmer than Florence, with generally around 50-60F, but it can drop to 40s at night. Snow would be rare except in the mountains. It's a good time for sightseeing with smaller crowds.

Spain would be cheaper than Italy. Greece in winter can be wet and cold, with many hotels and restaurants closed on the islands, with reduced flight and ferry connections.

Southern Spain is your best chance of warmer weather in midwinter - but NOT beach weather - you need to go to the Carib of Hawaii for that. And be prepared for chilly temps at night.

Southern Spain would be warmer and cheaper than Greece or Italy - Canaries is slightly warmer and cheaper than Spain but there is more to see in Spain

Thanks, everyone. Great advice! Will check out southern Spain. Have a great winter!

<Will check out southern Spain>

Her are some useful links:

http://www.andalucia.com/

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...isit-andalucia

In small Nerja by the Med, you'll get free and excellent tapas with every glass of wine/beer (1,50-2€) in most bars/restaurants around town. Normal to go from place to place on a tapas tour, and you're usually very happy after some four-five places and having spent some 10€/person.

Nerja is popular with tourists, but it has reatained much of its genuine Andalucian small town feel, especially in the Old town/Casco antiguo. December is a nice part of year to visit. Tranquile and not crowded and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beauty, the excellent food and often warm weather. Extensive info about Nerja: http://www.nerjatoday.com/

Here are some of my favourite tapas bars/restaurants in town. Free, delicious and freshly made tapas in the bar area in all these places:
La Puntilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html
El Pulguilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html
La Marina: http://www.guideofnerja.com/pages/gu.../marina_en.htm
El Niño: http://mynerja.com/view/bars/el-nino/

Photo of Nerja with nine small and large beaches among the cliffs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trondjs/3735908317/

Old town street in Nerja: http://www.minube.com/fotos/rincon/131879/629455

Nerja is close to fabulous big cities such as Malaga and Granada. Direct buses all the time. http://www.nerja.es/turismo/index.php?apdo=bus

This video about Cordoba gives you an idea of what you can call the Andalucia feel: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...a+vida+y+genio

Have you considered Sicily? It should be mild and two weeks is a nice amount of time for Sicily.